The upcoming Ukraine Fest Jax is a chance to celebrate the country’s iconic cultural offerings, from the intricately embroidered blouses, known as Vyshyvanka, to borscht (hot or cold). But it’s also a chance to reconnect the First Coast with the very real needs of the Ukrainian people amid a devastating four-year war and uncertain political future. We talk to a former Ukrainian diplomat turned local TV producer about her work abroad, her message for locals and her recent trip home. We also discuss what it means to celebrate 35 years of Ukrainian independence, which is the focus of Sunday’s Ukraine Fest at the Riverside Arts Market.

Guest: Natalia Solyeva, former Ukrainian diplomat, co-organizer of Ukraine Fest Jax

 

Getting warmer

From jellyfish in the St. Johns to red tide near Mayport, the summertime state of the river has everything to do with rising temperatures, from the current heat wave to the ongoing effect of climate change. We talk to marine biologist Dr. Quinton White about how the pressure on river flora and fauna rises with the mercury, leading to biological anomalies and even health warnings. White writes the regular River Life column on coastal ecology for the Florida Times-Union and recently noted the presence of saltwater jellyfish in freshwater parts of the river near Riverside. The state also issued its first two red tide warnings of the summer for the waters of the Fort George River and Fort George Inlet near Hecksher Drive.

Guest: Dr. Quinton White, biologist, founder of the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University

 

Turtle scavenger hunt

Atlantic Beach is urging visitors and residents alike to slow down and appreciate the coastal town’s culture and history. A permanent art installation consisting of 24 QR-code-marked turtle sculptures is part scavenger hunt, part historic tour, each one offering a mini lesson on local people and landmarks, while reminding everyone of the need to observe sea turtle nesting season (May-October). Those who find all 24 can head to the former City Hall (now the Adele Grage Cultural Center) during business hours to collect a prize. We talk to two organizers of the installation about appreciating the city at a snail’s pace.

Guests:


Jordan Leslie, recreation manager, City of Atlantic Beach Recreation & Special Events


Veronica Richard, city recreation associate

The upcoming <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ukrainefestjax/">Ukraine Fest Jax</a> is a chance to celebrate the country&rsquo;s iconic cultural offerings, from the intricately embroidered blouses, known as Vyshyvanka, to borscht (hot or cold). But it&rsquo;s also a chance to reconnect the First Coast with the very real needs of the Ukrainian people amid a devastating four-year war and uncertain political future. We talk to a former Ukrainian diplomat turned local TV producer about her work abroad, her message for locals and her recent trip home. We also discuss what it means to celebrate 35 years of Ukrainian independence, which is the focus of Sunday&rsquo;s Ukraine Fest at the Riverside Arts Market.
Guest: Natalia Solyeva, former Ukrainian diplomat, co-organizer of Ukraine Fest Jax
&nbsp;
Getting warmer
From jellyfish in the St. Johns to red tide near Mayport, the summertime state of the river has everything to do with rising temperatures, from the current heat wave to the ongoing effect of climate change. We talk to marine biologist Dr. Quinton White about how the pressure on river flora and fauna rises with the mercury, leading to biological anomalies and even health warnings. White writes the regular River Life column on coastal ecology for the Florida Times-Union and <a href="https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2026/08/04/drought-higher-salinity-bring-jellyfish-to-northeast-florida-rivers/91113711007/">recently noted</a> the presence of saltwater jellyfish in freshwater parts of the river near Riverside. The state also issued its first two <a href="https://jaxtoday.org/2026/08/14/second-red-tide-alert-jacksonville/">red tide warnings</a> of the summer for the waters of the Fort George River and Fort George Inlet near Hecksher Drive.
Guest: Dr. Quinton White, biologist, founder of the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University
&nbsp;
Turtle scavenger hunt
Atlantic Beach is urging visitors and residents alike to slow down and appreciate the coastal town&rsquo;s culture and history. A permanent art installation consisting of 24 QR-code-marked turtle sculptures is part scavenger hunt, part historic tour, each one offering a mini lesson on local people and landmarks, while reminding everyone of the need to observe sea turtle nesting season (May-October). Those who find all 24 can head to the former City Hall (now the Adele Grage Cultural Center) during business hours to collect a prize. We talk to two organizers of the <a href="https://coab.us/2196/Turtle-Crawl">installation</a> about appreciating the city at a snail&rsquo;s pace.
Guests:
<ul>
<li>
Jordan Leslie, recreation manager, City of Atlantic Beach Recreation &amp; Special Events
</li>
<li>
Veronica Richard, city recreation associate
</li>
</ul>

Stay connected to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida with WJCT News Now — your free, daily news podcast from WJCT Public Media. Every morning, anchor Steven Ponson breaks down the headlines you need to start your day informed. Then go deeper with highlights from First Coast Connect — the show where local newsmakers, civic leaders, artists, and community voices come together to talk through what's happening in your backyard.

 Subscribe free and make WJCT News Now part of your daily routine.

Stay connected to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida with WJCT News Now &mdash; your free, daily news podcast from WJCT Public Media. Every morning, anchor Steven Ponson breaks down the headlines you need to start your day informed. Then go deeper with highlights from First Coast Connect &mdash; the show where local newsmakers, civic leaders, artists, and community voices come together to talk through what's happening in your backyard.
&nbsp;Subscribe free and make WJCT News Now part of your daily routine.